LANARKSHIRE FEDERATION
Tom Corrie
Blantyre HC Presentation Night
I took the time to support the Blantyre members in their presentation night at Blantyre Miners Welfare Club, a really nice venue. Blantye club is a significant club with big birdage going most weeks and full of top lofts. Some of the lofts are based at the compound, a number of top lofts together which creates a very competitive atmosphere on the race day with lots of banter and memories.
There was an excellent turnout of members and friends, some travelling from Ayrshire and the central belt. Wullie Semple arranged a question and answer panel after the presentation of trophies and also a sale of top 2013 youngsters. Well done Wullie and his team, it was a great night with plenty of goodwill and positive feedback about the night, excellent buffet, cheap bar and plenty of raffle prizes.
With the biggest character in Lanarkshire, Vincent Hendry the main guest the night was always going to be witty and filled with laughter. Vincent is a real character,Ayrshire's answer to Michael Macintyre. Mark Findlay kept the fanciers in laughter with his past funnies about his time in our sport and he was very approachable and helpful in manner. It was one of those nights that could have easily gone on through the night.
The question and answer session highlighted the unity between the west coast and central belt fanciers with an overall willingness to get the West Coast Combine up and running again. There was also an in depth conversation about line breeding and inbreeding that was very informative with special input from Dave Lindsay who provided a little insight into that part of the sport.
The night was to highlight the winners for season 2012 which was dominated by Arthur Morrison winning everything but the kitchen sink. Arthur is a well liked guy who I have previously profiled in Lanarkshire News and continues to strengthen his stock and performances. The one to watch for major trophies in the Federation and Nationals 2013. The Wylie brothers made their mark in the young bird racing winning 5 from 6 races, another loft that have turned the corner and have the hunger to push the best in the club.
2012 CUP WINNERS
200 mile Average, 1st Yearling Woolaston, Yearling Average, Longest Inland Race, Taxi cab, Jubilee cup, Combine Points, Old Bird Average, Combine Average, Young birds - Feelie Memorial over 6 races, Young bird average vel 1766. All won by Arthur Morrison.
J&A Wylie - 1st YB race winner, 3 bird sprint, YB points winner, YB National trophy, Runner up YB average vel 1764.
W Semple - 1st National cup, 1st YB ko, 2nd YB ko.
J Watt - Dawes memorial Novice cup.
Top Man Arthur Morrison
Question and answer top table Mark Findlay, Steve McGovern, Lyndsay Cowan & Vincent Hendry.
Ayrshire lads enjoying the night.
Airdrie Lads enjoying the night - Martin Hilley, Tom Corrie snr, John Murphy, Brian Blacklock.
I wish the members all the best for season 2013.
Yours in Sport, Tom Corrie jnr, Lanarkshire Press Officer.
